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There are two distinctly different models of bass body shapes. Both are available in either neck-thru or bolt-on construction.
The double cut-away is the standard body that is used unless otherwise indicated. This shape is designed to place the end of the upper horn at the twelfth fret, helping to eliminate balance problems on 5 and 6 string basses. On neck-thru basses, the standard hardware includes an ABM bridge, with two humbucking Bartolini pick-ups or Aero pick-ups when requested. On the bolt-on version, a Hipshot bridge is combined with a triple-coil Bartolini Music Man shape pick-up. The hipshot bridge allows for the strings to run through the body if requested. The standard electronics are a Bartolini NTBT pre-amp with four knobs; overall volume, pick-up blend, treble and bass boost/cut. Variations can include separate pick-up volumes, passive wiring, and three band EQ. Other pick-ups and pre-amps can be requested. The single cut-away shape has grown in popularity in the past couple of years. People attribute characteristics to the design that make it seem an advantage over a traditional double cut-away. First, some say that having the body joined so far up the neck helps add to the instrument's resonance. If this is true, it is a subtle effect. The main factors determining an instrument's resonance are the type of construction (neck-through vs. bolt-on), and the mass and volume of the body. The extended bout of a single cut-away actually adds a significant amount of mass to the body, and this may be the real cause of any tonal difference. The other claim is added stability of the neck. This is half-true, and may actually not be an advantage. The extended upper bout firmly holds the bass side of the neck in place, while the treble side is left to flex in the normal fashion. This will theoretically result in a twisted neck. In the years I have made single cut-aways, I have not noticed this to be a serious problem. For six string basses, this problem is easily corrected with the two independent truss rods. I have done many variations of single cut-aways in the past year, and none affect the price. For five and six string basses, the only factor is balance, requiring an extra long upper bout to mimic the strap button placement of a normal double cut-away. The basic fretless in this shape comes with a single narrow coil Bartolini placed in the middle position. The bridge is carved from ebony or black palm, although a standard metal bridge can also be used. The basic fretless model does not include an exotic facing. The body wings can be made from a variety of species, depending on what tone is desired. I only recommend three types of wood for fretless; cocbolo, ebony and snakewood. These are the only species easily available that are dense enough to take the abuse of round-wound strings. Various ebonies are availble. |
